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Brockholes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Off junction 31 of the M6, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0AG

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1589 reviews1589 reviews

Tel: 01772 872 000

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Brockholes Nature Reserve

Whether it’s on the iconic floating visitor village or on the 250 acre nature reserve, Brockholes is full of nature moments just waiting for you to find.  Located just off the M6, Brockholes is the perfect place for a family day out.

Explore the flagship Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife on offer.  You can take a walk along the River Ribble, explore ancient woodlands and amble around lakes while spotting a huge array of wildlife all year round.  ​​​​​There’s hides, paths and viewing points that have been specifically designed to allow you to get closer to nature and wildlife without disturbing it.

Brockholes Nature Reserve is home to a wonderful eating establishment, Kestrel Kitchen.  Kestrel Kitchen provides an indoor seating area for you to relax and recharge, with wonderful views over Meadow Lake.  

The spectacular floating visitor village plays host to an interactive welcome centre and the Guild Wheel cycle path runs right through the nature reserve.  So, why not hop on your bike and pop down for a pit stop?  There are plenty of bike racks and a huge car park for visitors from further afield. 

Brockholes is owned and managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.  No direct government funding is received and each time you visit you’re helping to support vital conservation work that takes place on the reserve.  Thank you for supporting your local wildlife trust.

Brockholes is a dog free zone.  

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Parking charges apply unless otherwise stated. £5.00 all day parking.
These charges apply to all cars and minibuses every day, all day.
Coaches park for free.

Opening Times

Summer (1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Winter (1 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*

* The gates to the reserve are open from 6:00 - 21:00 April to October and 6:00 - 19:00 November to March.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Friday, 4th July 2025 - Sunday, 31st August 2025

Summer Xplorer at BrockholesExplore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together.
more info

Thursday, 24th July 2025 - Thursday, 24th July 2025

Thursday, 31st July 2025 - Thursday, 31st July 2025

Pram Walk at BrockholesA brisk one hour walk around the nature reserve on pram friendly paths. 
more info

Thursday, 24th July 2025 - Thursday, 24th July 2025

Tuesday, 5th August 2025 - Tuesday, 5th August 2025

Thursday, 28th August 2025 - Thursday, 28th August 2025

Pond Dipping at Brockholes​​​​​​​Woodlands, meadows, ponds and lakes are home to a variety of species waiting to be discovered. 
more info

Friday, 25th July 2025 - Friday, 25th July 2025

Wildlife Adventurer at Brockholes​​​​​​​Woodlands, meadows, ponds and lakes are home to a variety of species waiting to be discovered. 
more info

Monday, 28th July 2025 - Monday, 28th July 2025

Wednesday, 6th August 2025 - Wednesday, 6th August 2025

Brockholes Reserve TourJoin one of the guided walk leaders for a fascinating tour of Brockholes.
more info

Friday, 1st August 2025 - Friday, 1st August 2025

Woodland Survival at BrockholesCan you survive in the woods?  Test out your woodland survival skills at Brockholes this summer. 
more info

Sunday, 3rd August 2025 - Sunday, 3rd August 2025

Sunday, 26th October 2025 - Sunday, 26th October 2025

Wedding Showcase at BrockholesJoin in at the floating visitor village as it is set up for a wedding, showcasing some wonderful local suppliers.
more info

Thursday, 7th August 2025 - Thursday, 7th August 2025

Forest School Family Fun at BrockholesThis is a space and freedom to play, explore and connect with the natural environment.
more info

Thursday, 7th August 2025 - Thursday, 7th August 2025

Toddle Together at BrockholesA one hour walk around the reserve on buggy friendly paths. 
more info

Tuesday, 12th August 2025 - Tuesday, 12th August 2025

Wildlife Superheroes at BrockholesHave you got what it takes to become a superhero?
more info

Friday, 15th August 2025 - Friday, 15th August 2025

Stone Age Survival at BrockholesDiscover how early man lived and survived by learning how to light fires and master stone age crafts.
more info

Thursday, 21st August 2025 - Thursday, 21st August 2025

Enchanted Garden at BrockholesEnter into an enchanted garden where children can immerse themselves in the world of magical folk.
more info

Saturday, 23rd August 2025 - Monday, 25th August 2025

Brockholes Village FeteA weekend full of fun, nature and nostalgia.
more info

Thursday, 28th August 2025 - Thursday, 28th August 2025

Brockholes Family Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
more info

Thursday, 4th September 2025 - Thursday, 4th September 2025

Brockholes Adult Only Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
more info

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Green AwardsGreen Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) Green Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) 2014
  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsMarketing Campaign of the Year Marketing Campaign of the Year 2011
  • Sub-Regional AwardsConference/Meeting Venue Award Conference/Meeting Venue Award 2013
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2017
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2018

Directions

Road Directions

From Preston: At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 go straight over under the motorway signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the first exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 North bound: As you come off the motorway get in the middle lane. At the roundabout turn right, signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From Samlesbury and south-bound off the M6: From Samlesbury - At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 you need to go all the way round the double roundabout as if you where going to head back along the A59 towards Samlesbury. As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 southbound: As you come off the motorway turn right at the roundabout towards Preston. Stay in the right hand lane and continue around the roundabout, As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance.

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Take the No. 59 Bus from Preston Bus station. Alight the bus at the Tickled Trout Hotel. From the bus stop walk towards the bridge where traffic is easier to see, cross over and turn left to the end of the bridge. There is a farm road to the right, follow this short road to a metal gate, passing a sign for Brockholes Wood. Cross over the style at the side of the gate. Follow the metal fence on your right to the next gate and at the left side of the gate there is a gap onto a rough roadway. Remain on this roadway to the end the boundary is marked by another metal gate. To the right of the gate there is a style marked Ribblesway go over the style and turn left and you will see the next style to cross. Keep to the right and follow the wooden fence under the motorway bridges, and as the road bends you will see the entrance to Brockholes. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs or anyone that cannot climb a style. During the walk there is a possibility of seeing several species of birds and insects due to the close proximity of the river and the woods. By train: The nearest railway station to Brockholes is Preston.

Facilities

Other

  • Toilets

Catering

  • Café
  • Picnics available

Children & Infants

  • Baby Bottle and Food Warming Facilities Available

Establishment Features

  • Conference Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Car Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (charge)

Payment Methods

  • MasterCard accepted
  • Switch accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Specialist Features

  • Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings

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      • The Building of Brockholes Floating Visitor Village

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